Page 134 - Phoenix2001-02

Wednesday, April to, 2002 - Page to 'FEATURES Study abroad students reflect on some of their "uncomfortable" experiences while overseas HEATHER WEISS down on Sundays and the community looks terested students. Last fall, 11 students trav- bravely his students worked together to sup- Staff Writer desolate-not the warmest welcome for an eled to Budapest along with Dr. Robert port each other. WMC students and staff acquire some- anxious American worried about being far Sapora and his wife, Carol. "You don't wish catastrophe on anyone," thing much more valuable then "book from home and having to speak French This past fall presented a different kind said Sapora. "But when it happens and it's all over, you do realize the good that comes smarts" while studying abroad-they gain twenty-four hours a day. of "uncomfortable" obstacle for WMC trav- "uncomfortable" experience. "I just didn't realize that everything elers: the tragedy of September 11. of it." "At first, I was excited and homesick all closes down on Sundays," said Wallace, " ... "Everyone was in disbelief... we were But WMC students didn't allow the in one," said junior Liz Curtin. "You're in a it's really a beautiful small town and really very shocked and confused .... scared" said events ofSeptember 11 to stunt their trips. new environment, new culture, with new nice. I was a little disoriented at first, but junior biology major Sean Carroll. Carroll Students traveled both independently and people and you know no one. You're out of after classes started I got a better handle on heard the news in the middle of class when with the group to places such as London, your comfort zone. But it's very exciting to how things work here" a student's father called him on his mobile Barcelona, Zurich, Amsterdam and Vienna, be in a new place, full of new things to do!" While studying at the University of phone. "It was truly tragic, but I'm glad that among others. Both Engel and Carroll said Like most people who study abroad, the Burgandy, Wallace found herself on her own I was in Europe because people seemed to that a Euro-rail pass facilitated easy travel in order to sociology major wanted a change of scen- for the first time. She had to get her own move on and look toward the future." and that classes were scheduled students only allow travel. extended Most ery - discovering that Galway, Ireland is not social secu- had classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, much like Westminster. Upon arrival in rity (French Junior which left five free to travel each week. Galway this past winter, she suddenly found medical in- This past fall presented a different muni- Carroll discovered that while people were herself paying 20 cents to use the public surance), cation . overly-friendly most of the time, sometimes restroom or paying extra for ketchup. The take care of kind of "uncomfortable" obstacle for major they weren't. While he was waiting for his educational system in Ireland took some get- her own fi- WMC travelers: the tragedy of Lauren train back to Budapest from Zurich, Swit- ting used to because of erratic class sched- nances, and ules. Instead of having a class at the same find accom- Septemberl l, Engel zerland, an apparent drunk and homeless time every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, modations agreed, man accosted Carroil and attempted to pick Curtin might have one class on Monday fora visiting saying a fight. He refused to move and the man went morning and the same class again on Thurs- friend. Her donn-like international residence she felt isolated from the trauma experienced away. Carroll said that incident was prob- life in Budapest day afternoon - in a different classroom. has a kitchen on every floor, so she has taken in the United States because Her family kept ably his worst experience abroad- although legs he tried in a Budapest normally, went on- rather Chi- the chicken "it's just confusing to mel" said Curtin, up cooking. Wallace admits, however, that who is currently abroad. "It feels like I have little problems look huge when alone in an- telling her how much life had changed in the nese restaurant weren't "too good either." 12 classes instead of 61" other country. But that isn't much to fret U.S., but Engel didn't understand the fervent The worst part of Carroll's trip? Coming Sophomore Libby Wallace is also enjoy- about-especially when you can see "Don patriotism until she came home and wenf (Q •«horne. ing her semester away from WMC in Dijon, Quixote," the ballet, for less than $10. a Baltimore Ravens' game. Senior Julie Keough experienced some France. (Yes, the mustard place, Wallace "It was really good that was kind of ex- "They played "Proud to be an American" problems with public transportation while joked.) The French major decided to study citing," said Wallace. and everyone stood up. r couldn't believe it. studying in Budapest. The mU$jcl~theater abroad mainly to immerse herself in the Excitement and adventure seem to be Everyone was so united ... and quiet," said major ended up paying for an ovemigfit train ticket to Venice twice because Engel. the artendani French language and culture. All of her what many students want when they study classes are taught in French and mostly fo- abroad, or at least that's what they get. Most Sapora was impressed with the way the gave her the wrong time. cus on French history and art, although she WMC students who decide to study abroad WMC-Budapest campus community re- Keough said while she liked being in Eu- is taking the history of gastronomy. find the WMC-Budapest program the cheap- sponded to the tragedy; even the United rope, one of her best experiences abroad was Wallace recalled some culture shock est and easiest way to do so. Each fall, WMC State's embassy sent over a representative finding out why she wanted to come back sends one faculty member to the WMC- home. Budapest campus in